Police Radio 10-codes

Years ago police officers used a series of codes to speed up communication over the radio. Commonly referred to as 10-codes this system was developed in the 1930’s by the Illinois State Police. These codes were developed due to quirks in early police radios where the first syllable of words spoke was often times cut off. By saying “ten” then the actual message the important part of the message was never cut off.

The initial list of 10-codes was limited. As other departments adopted the idea additional codes were added to the list. Meaning that in various regions of the country there are variations to what codes stand for.

After the events of September 11, 2001, and the 2005’s Hurrican Katrina it was recommended to phase out the use of 10-codes. At both events, responders had a hard time communicating with each other due to using codes versus plain English. The recommendation in many jurisdictions now is to just talk in a normal talk when on the radio. Some towns and some officers still will slip into 10-codes.

Below are a common list of 10-codes. Keep in mind some cities might have a variation on this list.

10-0 – Person is dangerous, use caution

10-1 – Radio reception is bad

10-2 – Radio reception is good (can also be used for I am OK)

10-3 – Hold radio traffic

10-4 – I acknowledge, or I agree

10-5 – Relay message

10-6 – Busy

10-7 – Out of Service (often use as meal break)

10-8 – Back in Service

10-9 – Please repeat the last transmission

10-10 – Fight in progress

10-11 – Dog

10-12 – Standby

10-13 – Weather Report

10-14 – Suspicious person

10-15 – Disturbance

10-16 – Domestic Violence

10-17 – Complainant

10-18 – Quickly or Urgently

10-19 – Return to [Location]

10-20 – Location

10-21 – Call on Phone

10-22 – Disregard

10-23 – Arrived on Scene

10-24 – Assignment Complete

10-25 – Report to [Location]

10-26 – Detaining a subject

10-27 – Driver License Information check

10-28 – Car license information check

10-29 – Check for warrants

10-30 – Unnecessary use of radio (telling someone to shut up)

10-31 – Crime in progress

10-32 – Person with gun (Also used to alert a partner when someone sees a gun hidden)